It is normal for you and your
child to come into contact with bacteria and viruses on a regular basis. Some
of these microbes can cause serious problems.
Immunisation protects your baby
from serious diseases and illnesses. It is safe and easy to administer.
How
immunisation can help…
When you are vaccinated, your
body responds by creating antibodies that defend it against that disease in the
future. It builds up a defence system that destroys the bacteria and viruses
before they cause illness.
Which
diseases shoould you be immunised against…
Whooping Cough (pertussis)
- this is an infectious disease spread by coughing and sneezing. Breathing
becomes difficult with distinctive coughing spasms. This can be fatal for
children and babies.
Diphtheria - this
is a bacterial infection spread by droplets from the nose. The bacteria
produces a toxin which spreads throughout the body and causes heart failure or
paralysis.
Polio - a virus of
the gastrointestinal area. A serious disease which is not under control however
it can make another appearance if children are not vaccinated from it.
Tetanus - caused by a
bacteria made toxin which is found in soil and animal manure. Serious side
effects are spasms, lockjaw, breathing problems and convulsions.
Mumps - virus spread by
saliva. Is serious if complications set in - such as swollen brain and
infertility.
Measles - caused by a
virus. Highly infectious and spread by coughing and droplets from nasal
passages. Can have serious side effects and complications can cause
encephalitis or pneumonia.
Rubella (German measles) -
dangerous if spread to pregnant women. Therefore very important to have
your child immunised against it.
Hib - a bacterial
infection that can cause other more serious diseases in children and infants.
Hepatitis B - this
immunisation is available for your baby. It is a virus that attacks the liver
and can be the cause of liver cancer.
These diseases are very serious
and can often be fatal. Your child needs protection from them from an early
age.
When
does Your Child need to be immunised …
Age and what to get
immunised against…
2
months diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib.
4
months diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib
6
months diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib
12
months measles, mumps, rubella
18
months diphtheria, tetanus, Hib
4 - 5
years diphtheria, tetanus, whooping
cough, polio
10-16
years measles, mumps, rubella, hep B
one
month later hep B (2nd dose)
six
months later hep B
15-19
diphtheria, tetanus
every
10 years diphtheria, tetanus
Are
there any side effects involved…
-a
slight fever
-a sore arm
-feeling a little unwell
Are
there times when you should not have your baby immunised…
Not many… Always tell your doctor
if your child has a fever and is quite sick, is having any form of treatment
that can affect their immune system, has a disease such as AIDS/HIV, Leukaemia, cancer. Your doctor
will be able to recommend the appropriate course of action.
IMPORTANT NOTE: - There
are some who worry that the whooping cough immunisation may cause brain damage
in children. There have been studies conducted which show that this is probably
not the case. If it were true, the chances would be less than one in a million.
However, it is reported that for every 300 children who are not immunised against
whooping cough and are unfortunate enough to catch the disease, two will
probably develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and one will die.
This points
out that it is more important to get your child immunised.
Reference: The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 6th
edition.